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Rocket Robinson #1
Rocket Robinson and the Pharaoh's Fortune
A thrilling graphic novel adventure that unlocks the mysteries of ancient Egypt!
The Egyptian capital of Cairo is a buzzing hive of treasure hunters, thrill-seekers, and adventurers, but to 12-year-old Ronald “Rocket” Robinson, it’s just another sticker on his well worn suitcase. But when Rocket finds a strange note written in Egyptian hieroglyphs, he stumbles into an adventure more incredible than anything he’s ever dreamt of.
Rocket and his friends soon run afoul of master criminal Otto Von Stürm, who’s planning the theft of the greatest treasure in history—an ancient pharaoh’s fortune, secretly hidden for centuries. To stop him, they’ll have to de-code an ancient riddle, solve a cryptic puzzle, face off hungry crocodiles, and navigate a centuries-old labyrinth full of traps. All while staying one step ahead of Otto’s bloodthirsty goons.
The streets of Cairo come alive in Sean O’Neill’s lively, vibrant, full-color illustrated pages. Young fans of ancient Egypt will immediately be drawn in by the references to hieroglyphics, mummies, pyramids, and pharaoh’s tombs, all lavishly illustrated in O’Neill’s fun, accessible style.
(description from Netgalley)
The Egyptian capital of Cairo is a buzzing hive of treasure hunters, thrill-seekers, and adventurers, but to 12-year-old Ronald “Rocket” Robinson, it’s just another sticker on his well worn suitcase. But when Rocket finds a strange note written in Egyptian hieroglyphs, he stumbles into an adventure more incredible than anything he’s ever dreamt of.
Rocket and his friends soon run afoul of master criminal Otto Von Stürm, who’s planning the theft of the greatest treasure in history—an ancient pharaoh’s fortune, secretly hidden for centuries. To stop him, they’ll have to de-code an ancient riddle, solve a cryptic puzzle, face off hungry crocodiles, and navigate a centuries-old labyrinth full of traps. All while staying one step ahead of Otto’s bloodthirsty goons.
The streets of Cairo come alive in Sean O’Neill’s lively, vibrant, full-color illustrated pages. Young fans of ancient Egypt will immediately be drawn in by the references to hieroglyphics, mummies, pyramids, and pharaoh’s tombs, all lavishly illustrated in O’Neill’s fun, accessible style.
(description from Netgalley)
241 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 12, 2013
f the cover hasn't brought it to mind yet, by the time you are on the first page you will be thinking "Tintin". A fair enough comparison as the art style has a flourish of that French-style that makes Tintin so recognizable and then the story is full of adventure, globe-trotting, a German bad guy, ancient relics and archaeology. But O'Neill brings his own creativity to the table creating a unique character in Rocket Robinson and his partner Nuri, a gypsy girl. Even though set in 1930's Egypt, hence the acceptability of German bad guy Otto von Sturm, O'Neill brings a fresh, more modern tale than a Tintin would allow for. Nuri is an equal partner in the adventure and since she's the native of the area, takes the role of leader more often than Rocket. Adventure, escapades and derring-do abound. Rocket is in real life danger, including being kidnapped and no-one will believe him, so it is up to him, Nuri and Rocket's pet monkey to dash the villain's dastardly deeds. My only complaint is that there are several episodes where educational/historical information tries too hard to be inserted that it felt like the character was either being a wise guy or flipping into teacher mode. Don't try so hard next time Mr. O'Neill; and a next time there will be as the book blatantly let's us know we can expect a further adventure of Rocket Robinson. Looking forward to it!
July 5, 2016
The perfect scenario for this book unfolded like this: Printer's Row Lit Fest 2016, walking around with my son. We spot an author with a table later in the day on Sunday. We catch him at a moment where we can grab his full attention and he explains the basis of the book-- graphic novel, young boy goes on a treasure hunt in Egypt beneath the pyramids and gets tangled up with some unsavory characters (bad guys). My son is hooked and I'm on the line for $20, but for an autograph and an experience it was well worth it.
We get home, read it together and he's making connections to prior events in the story with the pictures, he's guessing what's going to happen next, he's explaining why certain facial expressions mean certain things based on the illustrations and all I'm thinking is, this story is like Raiders of the Lost Ark for kids. Kid moves to Egypt with dad, stumbles on something he shouldn't have and goes on a quest for the lost treasure of the Pharaoh Khufu. Turns out, the thing he stumbled on belongs to the main antagonist and action abounds! Of course there's a pet monkey. Gotta have one, right? Great for young readers, though some violence so maybe recommended for ages 8+.
We get home, read it together and he's making connections to prior events in the story with the pictures, he's guessing what's going to happen next, he's explaining why certain facial expressions mean certain things based on the illustrations and all I'm thinking is, this story is like Raiders of the Lost Ark for kids. Kid moves to Egypt with dad, stumbles on something he shouldn't have and goes on a quest for the lost treasure of the Pharaoh Khufu. Turns out, the thing he stumbled on belongs to the main antagonist and action abounds! Of course there's a pet monkey. Gotta have one, right? Great for young readers, though some violence so maybe recommended for ages 8+.
February 8, 2014
A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I read half of this graphic novel. It was cute; but it didn't capture my interest. The story moved agonizingly slow. I'm not sure kids would like that. I did find many elements, like the monkey, quite charming. However, all in all it just didn't hold my interest and I didn't feel like finishing the story. I'm not sure if I'd recommend it to anyone, perhaps someone who really likes Egypt and adventure stories.
I read half of this graphic novel. It was cute; but it didn't capture my interest. The story moved agonizingly slow. I'm not sure kids would like that. I did find many elements, like the monkey, quite charming. However, all in all it just didn't hold my interest and I didn't feel like finishing the story. I'm not sure if I'd recommend it to anyone, perhaps someone who really likes Egypt and adventure stories.
May 15, 2017
who has a monkey for a pet?
February 8, 2019
Eat sleep😴 read this book👏👏👏👏👏🖒🖒🖒🖒🖒🖒👏🖒
June 9, 2019
This is kind of like Tintin crossed with old children's mystery stories.
There is the standard mixture of:
1) a Tintin-esque plot
2) a bad guy with his bumbling sidekicks
3) a kid who stumbles across the bad guy's plans
4) none of the adults believe the kid
5) kid solves the mystery alone with his friend and pet
If that sort of more old fashioned style of storytelling and plot devices appeal to you, then this is for you! For me it certainly was reminiscent of the type of books I used to read as a child and pushing my nostalgia button is always a good start to a book series. I'll definitely continue on to read the second book and hope the author published more in the future.
There is the standard mixture of:
1) a Tintin-esque plot
2) a bad guy with his bumbling sidekicks
3) a kid who stumbles across the bad guy's plans
4) none of the adults believe the kid
5) kid solves the mystery alone with his friend and pet
If that sort of more old fashioned style of storytelling and plot devices appeal to you, then this is for you! For me it certainly was reminiscent of the type of books I used to read as a child and pushing my nostalgia button is always a good start to a book series. I'll definitely continue on to read the second book and hope the author published more in the future.
January 14, 2019
I just found this boring and dated. Books where natives are plucky sidekicks or weak-willed minions are so passé. I would have maybe liked this if it was published 20 years ago.
May 2, 2026
Fun quick read.
November 30, 2013
This is a delightful comic (graphic) novel for younger readers. What ten year old boy doesn't like the idea of: 1) cracking a code that adults can't crack; 2) discovering a heretofore forgotten Egyptian tomb, complete with treasure; 3) having a pet monkey; 4) hanging out with a girl who seems pretty 'cool?'
I still remember when I 'discovered' ancient Egypt in school and learned about the treasures hidden in the pyramids. And of course I had the childhood fantasies of making my own discoveries. This book brought back those memories, and I wondered if it might not play on those same youthful fantasies for a new generation.
The story itself has enough holes in it that it won't stand up to being read by young adults (or older). (WARNING *** POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT **) A simple code that the young Rocket Robinson can break relatively simply? Secret doors and passageways that no one else has found before? Explosions under the Sphinx that do no damage above? Yet there is a story, a plot, here, that is just right for the younger readers to catch on to and stay interested in.
The characters are stock characters. From the in-attentive parent, to the curious young hero, to the bad guys who look like bad guys, everyone is pretty much what you expect them to be on your first meeting them. Once again... this is fine for younger readers who haven't yet been introduced to these characters in books and movies the way the older readers have.
The art seems jarring at first, in its simplicity. When compared to the superhero comics and dark, depressing graphic novels, of the sort I have reviewed recently, this seems almost unprofessional, but once I got in to the story and moved along, the art didn't bother me at all. Again...it's very appropriate for its intended audience. But it does lead to my question...why as a graphic novel at all? Why not a simple reader action book? Let the reader picture Rocket him/herself? Why give not only the story but the visuals, too? In the superhero comics and adult graphic novels, the art is an essential part of the story -- it helps create tone, atmosphere, intensity, etc. In this book, the art just seems ... unnecessarily extra.
I no longer have children of appropriate age for this, but I can imagine, had it been available ten years ago, checking it out from the library and letting my children thumb through this. There's too much art (being a graphic novel) for it to be a book that I would read aloud to my children, but it might be something that they would pick up glance through on their own.
Looking for a good book? This is a nice comic book/novel for early readers.
(This review originally published in blog, Looking For a Good Book.)
I still remember when I 'discovered' ancient Egypt in school and learned about the treasures hidden in the pyramids. And of course I had the childhood fantasies of making my own discoveries. This book brought back those memories, and I wondered if it might not play on those same youthful fantasies for a new generation.
The story itself has enough holes in it that it won't stand up to being read by young adults (or older). (WARNING *** POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT **) A simple code that the young Rocket Robinson can break relatively simply? Secret doors and passageways that no one else has found before? Explosions under the Sphinx that do no damage above? Yet there is a story, a plot, here, that is just right for the younger readers to catch on to and stay interested in.
The characters are stock characters. From the in-attentive parent, to the curious young hero, to the bad guys who look like bad guys, everyone is pretty much what you expect them to be on your first meeting them. Once again... this is fine for younger readers who haven't yet been introduced to these characters in books and movies the way the older readers have.
The art seems jarring at first, in its simplicity. When compared to the superhero comics and dark, depressing graphic novels, of the sort I have reviewed recently, this seems almost unprofessional, but once I got in to the story and moved along, the art didn't bother me at all. Again...it's very appropriate for its intended audience. But it does lead to my question...why as a graphic novel at all? Why not a simple reader action book? Let the reader picture Rocket him/herself? Why give not only the story but the visuals, too? In the superhero comics and adult graphic novels, the art is an essential part of the story -- it helps create tone, atmosphere, intensity, etc. In this book, the art just seems ... unnecessarily extra.
I no longer have children of appropriate age for this, but I can imagine, had it been available ten years ago, checking it out from the library and letting my children thumb through this. There's too much art (being a graphic novel) for it to be a book that I would read aloud to my children, but it might be something that they would pick up glance through on their own.
Looking for a good book? This is a nice comic book/novel for early readers.
(This review originally published in blog, Looking For a Good Book.)
March 9, 2014
Rocket Robinson and the Pharaoh's is a story in comic book format. Rocket Robinson is an ambassador's son. Rocket wasn't happy that he has to leave Spain for Egypt. While on the train, he and his monkey Screech was playing "Spot the Spy". Screech leaped at a man, Otto von Stürmat, who was sitting at the bar. Rocket tried to apologize but Otto refused his apology. When Rocket noticed a note on the floor, he tried to return it to Otto. Rocket's adventure begins from the moment he tried to returned the note. On his adventure, he befriended Nuri, a gypsy girl, who tried to steal his backpack. Together, they discovered a treasure that has been hidden in the pyramids for so many thousands of years.
This is a good book for children. It is a way to introduce them in learning about Egypt and its history. There are some comic reliefs just to keep the story on the lighter side for adults. I don't think the children will notice these moments. The story is entertaining for children and their parents and readers who want some dangers and close-called escapes but most of all to learn about the how the discovery of Egyptian artifacts have impacted the world. Plus this is a clean story of who is the bad and good guys are.
I was given this book by the publisher through Net Gallery for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
This is a good book for children. It is a way to introduce them in learning about Egypt and its history. There are some comic reliefs just to keep the story on the lighter side for adults. I don't think the children will notice these moments. The story is entertaining for children and their parents and readers who want some dangers and close-called escapes but most of all to learn about the how the discovery of Egyptian artifacts have impacted the world. Plus this is a clean story of who is the bad and good guys are.
I was given this book by the publisher through Net Gallery for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
October 3, 2013
I understand that this book is supposed to be one for kids, but I could not finish it, finally giving up around page 90 (of 240). The art style is pretty crude, and the action simplistic. While this may all be fine for kids, a lot of the action just felt like padding, whether it's characters driving, walking, or running from place to place.
On the plus side, I did appreciate the book's efforts to incorporate educational elements into the story, such as Rocket learning interesting Egyptian facts. And I was mildly curious about the note's contents and where the story would go from there. But if I can't make it past page 90 with my adult attention span, I'm not sure one of my kids would either.
Congrats to the author on the successful Kickstarter campaign (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1...), but if it were my money, I'd be a little disappointed. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
On the plus side, I did appreciate the book's efforts to incorporate educational elements into the story, such as Rocket learning interesting Egyptian facts. And I was mildly curious about the note's contents and where the story would go from there. But if I can't make it past page 90 with my adult attention span, I'm not sure one of my kids would either.
Congrats to the author on the successful Kickstarter campaign (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1...), but if it were my money, I'd be a little disappointed. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
October 5, 2013
Young Indiana Jones meets "The Mummy" is the best way I can describe this fast-moving adventure. Ronald "Rocket" Robinson moves to Cairo when his father's job with the State Department transfers him to Egypt. He meets a gypsy girl named Nuri when he is exploring the city and they become friends. While his father is away in Alexandria, Rocket and Nuri are caught up in a plot to steal treasure from the Great Pyramids at Giza. Using Nuri's knowledge of the city, Rocket's skill with cyphers, and his pet monkey Screech's nimble tricks they try to stop the sinister Otto, Khan, and Khalil from carrying off Pharaoh Khufu's priceless artifacts.
If you like archaeological adventures like "The Mummy," "Indiana Jones," or "National Treasure," then this is your kind of story. Creator Sean O'Neill has a webpage for the book at http://www.rocketrobinson.com.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
If you like archaeological adventures like "The Mummy," "Indiana Jones," or "National Treasure," then this is your kind of story. Creator Sean O'Neill has a webpage for the book at http://www.rocketrobinson.com.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
January 22, 2014
Adventure, intrigue, and not a bit of Egyptology -- what more could a kid ask for? On a train to Cairo. Rocket Robinson encounters a suspicious man with an unlikely note. The note is the first clue on a dangerous journey that will have Rocket evading crocodiles, booby traps, and one impervious giant named Khan -- all to be the first to reach the untold treasures of Pharoah Khufu. There are even a monkey and a street-smart Gypsy as sidekicks and a villain with an eye-patch -- along with a good deal of archaeological fact and mythology. ROCKET ROBINS AND THE PHARAOH'S FORTUNE is a fun, fast-paced romp.
(I received a free digital copy of this graphic novel from the in return for an honest review.)
(I received a free digital copy of this graphic novel from the in return for an honest review.)
February 3, 2014
Rocket Robinson and his pet monkey, Screech, have been relocated to Cairo due to his dad's job. On the train ride there, Rocket and Screech come across a mysterious coded note. As Rocket is only 12, adults don't want to believe him. Luckily, he meets a native girl, Nuri, who assists him in his investigations into the note, but Otto von Sturn wants the note back at any cost.
While this graphic novel/comic is geared to a younger audience, it can be enjoyed by adults as well.
The illustrations are fun, as well as, descriptive of place, action, and character.
Characters develop as the story progresses, are full of heart, and authentic.
Overall, a cute and enjoyable read.
While this graphic novel/comic is geared to a younger audience, it can be enjoyed by adults as well.
The illustrations are fun, as well as, descriptive of place, action, and character.
Characters develop as the story progresses, are full of heart, and authentic.
Overall, a cute and enjoyable read.
October 11, 2013
I read this as an eARC from NetGalley. This children's graphic historical novel is set in Cairo in 1933 and brings together a young American boy, Rocket Robinson with a young gypsy girl, Nuri, and sends them on an adventure, being chased by and then chasing after villains who are after a pharaoh's buried treasure. Mix in the colorful, multicultural Cairo of that era, puzzles and ciphers, tunnels, historic landmarks and tombs, secrets, adventure and danger and you have a very enjoyable tale. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2014
Kids will enjoy this graphic novel. It has your typical bad guy with his bumbling henchmen; adults, who could help, but don't believe the "wild stories" about being kidnapped and the pharaoh's treasure; puzzles to solve; dangerous dilemmas and plenty of Egyptology. Rocket Robinson is in the title, but his gypsy friend, Nuri, is just as prominent a character in the story. The illustrations are eye catching and bring Egypt alive. Hieroglyphics, underground tunnels, crocodiles and explosions; adventures abound!
Read
September 27, 2013I'm not used to reading graphic novels but I liked this one. It was exciting and kept my interest. I also love any stories about ancient Egyptian archeology. The artwork was consistent and very expressive. The story reminiscent of Indiana Jones but for kids. The only problem I had was a bit of a disappointing conclusion to the problem.
SPOILERS:
I'm sad that the "find" was destroyed and that no one else knows they found it.
SPOILERS:
I'm sad that the "find" was destroyed and that no one else knows they found it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2013
"Rocket" Robinson and his gypsy friend Nuri manage to thwart Otto von Sturm and his gang of thieves from looting Pharaoh Khufu's toomb more by accident and bungling by the thieves then on purpose. However, the duo manage to take the reader on an adventure through Cairo in the 1920's with plenty of daring-do and cliff-hangers to enjoy. I will be looking forward to the next installment (and so will my son).
January 8, 2014
A pint-sized Indiana Jones finds a message written in hieroglyphs that sets him off on a grand adventure through the streets of Cairo. Accompanied by a young gypsy girl who befriends and helps him and of course his trusty pet monkey, Rocket is in search of a pharaoh's treasure and racing against the evil Otto von Stürm. Fast paced, fun adventure with a few extra tidbits (such as code-breaking) thrown in.
June 17, 2016
This book is awesome. Ronald (Rocket) Robinson travels a lot because of his dad's job.
when they go to Cairo, Rocket thinks it will be awful. But soon, he and his pet monkey, Screech,
meet a mysterious figure on a train , a kind, clever gypsy girl named Nuri steals his backpack and becomes his friend, and they try to stop an evil plot to break into the great pyramid.
This book is an extremely fun adventure.
when they go to Cairo, Rocket thinks it will be awful. But soon, he and his pet monkey, Screech,
meet a mysterious figure on a train , a kind, clever gypsy girl named Nuri steals his backpack and becomes his friend, and they try to stop an evil plot to break into the great pyramid.
This book is an extremely fun adventure.
October 1, 2013
I got this copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
O'Neill does a great job recreating the feel of the old adventure comics. In fact it's just as obvious, stilted, and melodramatic as Tin-Tin.
(Can you tell it's not my favorite genre?)
The art was okay. Sorry I couldn't finish it. I'm sure fans of the old-timey mystery graphic novels will eat this up.
O'Neill does a great job recreating the feel of the old adventure comics. In fact it's just as obvious, stilted, and melodramatic as Tin-Tin.
(Can you tell it's not my favorite genre?)
The art was okay. Sorry I couldn't finish it. I'm sure fans of the old-timey mystery graphic novels will eat this up.
January 10, 2014
This is a great graphic novel for kids - full of adventure, and it'll whet their appetite to learn more about Egypt, the Pharaohs and the Great Pyramids. And you can't help loving Rocket's pet monkey, who always manages to get them out of the trickiest scrapes. For me, it was a bit predictable, but I would have eaten it up at a younger age, for sure!
May 13, 2014
This was a fun, fast adventure that I really enjoyed reading. The comparisons between Tintin and Young Indiana Jones are pretty spot on. There were a few plotholes in the book where Rocket and Nuri too easily get out of trouble, but those are easy to overlook since it's not exactly supposed to be true-to-life :)
April 24, 2015
Rocket Robinson and his pet monkey, Screech have been relocated to Cairo due to his dads job. On the train ride there, Rocket and Screech come across a mysterious coded note. As Rocket is only 12, adults don't want to believe in him. Luckily he meets a native girl who assists him in his investigations into the note, but Otto von Sturn wants the note back at any cost.
November 24, 2016
A fun, action-packed graphic novel that hearkens back to those adventure serials of the '30s. The tween leads are plucky and entertaining and the story is thick with intrigue, thrills, and humor. Reminiscent in all the right ways of Hergé’s TinTin, without feeling derivative. A great, all-ages read that leaves you wanting a follow-up…and luckily there’s a second book!
December 19, 2016
Most excellent graphic novel adventure of a boy and a girl looking for treasure from ancient Egypt - while trying to foil a bad guy. Full of action, satisfying ending. Certainly not a super fast read, but MCs are 12 so it's appropriate for MS students. On order for my library - I think a lot of my students will like this book.
September 24, 2013
Kids who like graphic novels will enjoy this book about an American boy in Cairo who befriends a gypsy girl and looks for a treasure.
October 21, 2013
Beautifully illustrated and solidly told by new comer Sean O'Neill. Buy it for the kids for the holidays. Great bed time storytelling!
December 30, 2013
12/30/13 3.5 stars. Great family-friendly adventure, in the vein of TinTin. Review tk.
2/17/14 http://www.iwantmytwodollars.com/2014...
2/17/14 http://www.iwantmytwodollars.com/2014...
July 2, 2015
Really enjoyed this. Kind of like a young Indy Jones with a historical twist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews